Easy. Cute. Must-make. Need we say more?
Okay, so if there wasn’t a picture, would you know what a fob is? It’s a funny word, isn’t it? By definition: it’s an ornament on a watch chain or ribbon. Well our project is close to the definition. It doesn’t use ribbon, it uses Dritz® elastic (new neon and jewel-tone colors, by the way). And the ornament is not a watch, but keys. But, hey, consider yourself in-the-know about exactly what a fob is! Now let’s make a couple!
We’ve heard a lot of chatter out there about the fob hardware itself, and that it’s not easy to find. Good news! As of now, you’ll find it in the sewing department of your favorite fabric retailers, alongside other types of fasteners. You asked – we listened. Cool when it works out that way, huh?
Supplies needed:
- 10″ x 8″ fabric per fob (we used Ziggy yellow and Soho Solids turquoise from Timeless Treasures )
- Dritz® elastic (5/8″ fold-over elastic and 5/8″ ruffled elastic)
- Dritz® key fob hardware set (1-set pack or 5-set pack)
- Dritz® Wash Away™ Wonder Tape
- Dritz® Fray Check® liquid seam sealant
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Sewing machine
- Pliers
- Iron
- Stapler remover (optional)
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Gather your supplies. Cut your fabric to 10″ x 8″ and your Dritz® ruffled elastic to 10″ in length. |
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Next you’re going to fold and press your fabric. First, fold it in half to make it 10″ x 4″. Next, fold it in half again to make it 10″ x 2″. Unfold the second crease that you just created, and fold the 2 long edges into the center fold (#3 and 4). Press the folds. Fold this piece in half (#5); it should be approximately 10″ x 1″ now. |
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Top stitch the long edges to secure the folds. |
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Use the Wash Away™ Wonder Tape to temporarily secure the elastic strip to your fabric – you can sew right through it! (If you don’t have any Wonder Tape on hand, you can use straight pins.) |
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Sew the elastic to your fabric. Apply Fray Check® to the ends. |
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Fold the fabric strip and insert into the key fob hardware. Close with pliers. TIP: Use a small piece of cloth to protect the hardware from the grips in the pliers. |
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Attach ring to the hardware. HINT: A staple remover will help to prevent damaging your fingernails when doing this, but it’s not necessary. |
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Have fun with your fobs! For this one, we used the Dritz® FOE (fold-over elastic) instead of the ruffled. We used a decorative machine stitch to attach it and a contrasting bobbin thread to keep it interesting. |
Have you been waiting to find key fob hardware? Are you excited now? Tell us how you’re using this new fastener. We’d love to hear about the colors and materials you’re choosing for your fobs!
For more key fob ideas, check out these sewing projects: hexi key fobs, glitter key fobs.
